Sunday, September 4, 2011
In the News: SNAP benefits, Irene update
Reimbursements possible for losing food during Tropical Storm Irene
National Grid: All Mass. customers to have power today
Jobs and the Massachusetts Economy on Labor Day 2011
|
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
|
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Community Garden Walkabout
Last Saturday morning, before Irene brought her rain and wind to Franklin, Chris Clay held a "Community Garden Walkabout". Only a few took advantage of this and it was worthwhile.
Here Chris is pulling up some mint which is prolific and he wanted to remove it before if took over the bed.
See how deep and expansive the roots for this plant are. This growth is just since May.
In the walkabout, as Chris and I took pictures, he shared some insights on what we were seeing. On the face of it, these cucumbers look good and healthy.
While they are healthy, the key to picking a cucumber is to do so while there are still some numbs along them. The dark green one in the center is a good example, the two lighter cucumbers on either side are bigger, less or no numbs showing and past prime for picking.
I have more photos and stories from the walkabout to share. The sharing is meant to learn from. I don't mean to pick on anyone for doing something wrong. I am learning so much from this and I hope we all will continue to share and learn and grow better gardens!
Here Chris is pulling up some mint which is prolific and he wanted to remove it before if took over the bed.
See how deep and expansive the roots for this plant are. This growth is just since May.
In the walkabout, as Chris and I took pictures, he shared some insights on what we were seeing. On the face of it, these cucumbers look good and healthy.
While they are healthy, the key to picking a cucumber is to do so while there are still some numbs along them. The dark green one in the center is a good example, the two lighter cucumbers on either side are bigger, less or no numbs showing and past prime for picking.
I have more photos and stories from the walkabout to share. The sharing is meant to learn from. I don't mean to pick on anyone for doing something wrong. I am learning so much from this and I hope we all will continue to share and learn and grow better gardens!
"a global fishing crisis that is masked by sparkling blue waters"
Revenga suggests that sometimes supporting policies that may be unpopular in the short term will be beneficial to all in the long term, such as catch shares/limits, no-take zones and fishing gear modifications. She notes that supporting local fisherman and fishing communities is also important. International cooperation is also essential, since more than 80 percent of U.S. seafood is imported and the FDA inspects a small fraction of it.
Consumers' choices are important. Revenga says, "Consumers need to ask questions and be informed. They can ask their stores and restaurants, not only where the fish is from, but how it was caught....The closer to home the better and the less impact the fishing method the better."
Environmentally responsible methods of fishing include: hook and line, trolling, traps and pots, and harpooning larger fish. Products that carry the Marine Stewardship Council label ensure that the fish were caught sustainably (www.msc.org). Responsibly caught seafood tends to be more expensive, but the price will be much higher if we do not take steps now to support conscientious fishing practices.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948303120/Down-to-Earth-Look-for-sustainable-seafood-options#ixzz1Wsy6jQ5F
Friday, September 2, 2011
The demise of guys
Philip Zimbardo was the leader of the notorious 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment. Now retired from teaching for over 50 years, he makes this presentation at TED about the demise of guys.
Video is less than 5 minutes long. You may need to return and watch it multiple times!
For information on a related topic, how little time outside is creating a 'nature deficit disorder'
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to view the video on Franklin Matters
Video is less than 5 minutes long. You may need to return and watch it multiple times!
For information on a related topic, how little time outside is creating a 'nature deficit disorder'
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to view the video on Franklin Matters
Public School Funding in Massachusetts: Where We Are, What Has Changed, and How We Compare to Other States
Is our research helpful to you? Support our work
Public School Funding in Massachusetts: Where We Are, What has Changed, and How We Compare to Other States
September 1, 2011
Each year, the U.S. Census Bureau releases education spending data on all 50 states. Using this data, MassBudget reports annually on the state of education spending in Massachusetts.
A new MassBudget report examines FY 2009 Census data (the most recent national data available) and compares education spending in Massachusetts to that of other states. Key findings this year include:
- Massachusetts saw a significant increase in federal education revenue in FY 2009 as part of the federal stimulus efforts to protect local schools from being harmed by cuts in state aid.
- Massachusetts ranks high in per-pupil spending but average in total education spending as a percentage of the state economy.
- Compared to other states, Massachusetts continues to rely more heavily on local funding sources for education than on state and federal sources.
The report, Public School Funding in Massachusetts: Where We Are, What Has Changed, and How We Compare to Other States, is available here and at www.massbudget.org.
MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.
This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by info@massbudget.org |
Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Another School Year!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 9/1/11
The 2011 - 2012 school year has experienced a delayed start due to power outages associated with Tropical Storm Irene. That said, teachers, staff and administrators throughout the district have worked diligently to re-shape the start of the new school year.
Adult Education: Tracy Cheney is returning to offer three courses for Child Care Providers that are timely and provide needed continuing education points. The classes for this term include: The Ten P's of Partnering with Parents, Transition Magician, and Creating a Classroom that is Inclusive.
Other classes that support careers include: Social Media - Learning how to effectively use social media tools to support your business; Tips on Writing and Publishing your Book; and, the Virtual Assistant -- What is it?
Adult Education also offers classes in Belly Dancing, Bollywood Dancing, Line Dancing, a Thriller Dance Workshop for Adults, and a Father/Daughter Valentine's Dance.
Check our website for additional courses in Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, Self Defense for Women, Fitness for Women, Basketball, Volleyball, art, cooking, photography and more!
www.franklin.k12.ma.us select Lifelong from the top banner.
We hope to see you soon!
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Lifelong Learning using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Towns may get delay on river fix
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Jose Martinez, Globe Correspondent on 8/31/11
The next step in cleaning up the water flowing in the Charles River appears to be so costly that federal regulators are considering more than doubling the length of time given the test communities of Milford, Franklin, and Bellingham to reduce the amount of phosphorus pouring into the river from their shores.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Boston Globe -- Globe West using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Final Prep for Job Search Jam Sessions
Friday is almost here. Have you registered for Job Search Jam Sessions? If you are looking for work, or know someone who is, this is the event to participate in. This will be your time to find out what others know, get your questions answered from those who can answer them, and get to network with others to build your listing of valuable connections.
How should I prepare?
Come to the event prepared to share something you have learned along the way. Come prepared for learn. Come prepared to network (bring business cards).
How should I dress?
Dress as you would for any other networking event, business casual or business comfortable. You still want to make a good first impression but a suit or tux is not required.
What does the facility look like?
Check out the brief video of the facility recorded during May 2010:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/05/video-tour-of-job-search-jam-session.html
What will the schedule be?
Check out the overall schedule here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/p/schedule.html
When do the doors open?
The registration/welcome desk will be open at 8:30 AM.
You can check in, pay at the door (if you elected to do that), and make a name tag.
Beginning at 9:00 AM (or thereabouts) we'll provide an overview of an unconference using the open space technology.
If you want to read up on the unconference format, you can find info here
http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?AboutOpenSpace
here
http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?WorkingInOpenSpace
and here:
http://podcamp.pbworks.com/ scroll down the page to view the section on how to "host a podcamp"
What is the registration fee being used for?
1 - We intentionally don't want to make money, we are all looking for work and recognize that funds are tight.
2 - We did want to charge something to ensure a reasonable headcount for planning purposes.
Hence, the $8 charge seems reasonable and allows us to plan a good event and to make a contribution to the church for the use of the facility.
Your registration fee ($8.00) paid via Eventbrite nets the organizing team approx. $6.50 (Eventbrite has a charge for processing the credit card).
From the $6.50 times however many people show up, we will plan for refreshments, lunch and will purchase accordingly.
All surplus funds will be donated to the St John the Evangelist Parish. The church has graciously allowed us use of the facility for free. A full accounting of the receipts and expenses will be provided to the attendees.
You can still talk about the event with your friends, neighbors and networked connections. Registrations will be taken at the door on Friday. You can share the event website http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
or have them go directly to the registration page http://jobsearchjamsessions2.eventbrite.com/
Thank you. See you soon!
The Job Search Jam Sessions organizing committee
How should I prepare?
Come to the event prepared to share something you have learned along the way. Come prepared for learn. Come prepared to network (bring business cards).
How should I dress?
Dress as you would for any other networking event, business casual or business comfortable. You still want to make a good first impression but a suit or tux is not required.
What does the facility look like?
Check out the brief video of the facility recorded during May 2010:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/05/video-tour-of-job-search-jam-session.html
What will the schedule be?
Check out the overall schedule here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/p/schedule.html
When do the doors open?
The registration/welcome desk will be open at 8:30 AM.
You can check in, pay at the door (if you elected to do that), and make a name tag.
Beginning at 9:00 AM (or thereabouts) we'll provide an overview of an unconference using the open space technology.
If you want to read up on the unconference format, you can find info here
http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?AboutOpenSpace
here
http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?WorkingInOpenSpace
and here:
http://podcamp.pbworks.com/ scroll down the page to view the section on how to "host a podcamp"
What is the registration fee being used for?
1 - We intentionally don't want to make money, we are all looking for work and recognize that funds are tight.
2 - We did want to charge something to ensure a reasonable headcount for planning purposes.
Hence, the $8 charge seems reasonable and allows us to plan a good event and to make a contribution to the church for the use of the facility.
Your registration fee ($8.00) paid via Eventbrite nets the organizing team approx. $6.50 (Eventbrite has a charge for processing the credit card).
From the $6.50 times however many people show up, we will plan for refreshments, lunch and will purchase accordingly.
All surplus funds will be donated to the St John the Evangelist Parish. The church has graciously allowed us use of the facility for free. A full accounting of the receipts and expenses will be provided to the attendees.
You can still talk about the event with your friends, neighbors and networked connections. Registrations will be taken at the door on Friday. You can share the event website http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
or have them go directly to the registration page http://jobsearchjamsessions2.eventbrite.com/
Thank you. See you soon!
The Job Search Jam Sessions organizing committee
"a lack of electricity four days after"
In Franklin, about 1,300 people were still without power as of noon yesterday, which is down from about 4,200 on Tuesday.
Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said National Grid told officials in a meeting on Tuesday that power was supposed to be restored at the Municipal Center yesterday by 11 a.m., but wasn't.
"The only people that dropped the ball are National Grid," said Nutting, praising town public safety departments and the DPW for their work during and after the storm.
"We still have about 1,300 folks out of power. If you're one of those 1,300, it's getting a little thin after three days."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x227166423/Many-still-without-power-across-region#ixzz1Wgy4h0dG
Updated Fiscal Fallout Report & Updated Budget Browser
|
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
|
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
YMCA - September Membership Promotion
The Hockomock Area YMCA announces their Fall Membership specials. Details are contained in the flyer here:
Flyer- Fall 2011 Promo
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Flyer- Fall 2011 Promo
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)